Thread: Borer

Hi.
Borax obtainable from the supermarket will fix the little buggers.

From what Ive read, mix the borax with water and paint onto the surface.
The only problem I see, is that the water will make the timber move/swell.

Al

Ha Ha brother Borer, for once they're leaving the termites alone.

If the borer is still active, there should be a little tell tale deposit of sawdust near the hole. At least this is what I saw while watching a certain antiques show from the U.K. I wonder if they are like most pests, and never come alone, but bring all the family?

I handle borers by putting the cat out, and turning off the lights.

Buzza.

Originally Posted by Buzza

If the borer is still active, there should be a little tell tale deposit of sawdust near the hole.

Is that right WB?

Tape a piece of white paper under the table (presume that's where damage is) and leave for a few days and then check for dust. Borer eggs can apparently take several years to hatch so it's quite possible that some may have hatched in your timber.

I have a Victorian dresser which has been subject to borer in the drawer framing, off and on for the past umpteen years (spose it has something to do with optimum hatching conditions). An antique dealer told me that the way to treat is to take it outside, turn upside down and soak with kero. Bit extreme I thought. I give a good spray with surface spray in spring (if I remember) or when I notice dust. They are most active in spring and summer so this is the best time to treat them.

You should also fill the holes to prevent mum from using them to lay eggs in. A coat of lacquer or even wax should also deter them. But I suppose you are still going to have to cope with unhatched eggs.

Three days in a commercial freezer apparently kills the borers, but not sure if it knocks out the eggs. And you have to find someone with a suitable freezer.

http://www.csiro.au/csiro/content/standard/pspr,,.html has a bit of useful information.

Normally you will find little empty aluminium cylinders or red stained cork near the entrance of their home.

Defying popular belief borers don't always make a loud noise but with many borers you can hear a satisfying swish sound - similar to a keen blade slicing through the timber.

Termites on the other hand are close relatives to borers but tend to live closer to the equator than the borers. For example in Australia borers are more commonly found in Victoria and termites tend to be found closer to the ocean in New South Wales although borers have been reported to be seen in Sydney regularly.

Originally Posted by Wood Borer

Normally you will find little empty aluminium cylinders or red stained cork near the entrance of their home.

Defying popular belief borers don't always make a loud noise but with many borers you can hear a satisfying swish sound - similar to a keen blade slicing through the timber.

Termites on the other hand are close relatives to borers but tend to live closer to the equator than the borers. For example in Australia borers are more commonly found in Victoria and termites tend to be found closer to the ocean in New South Wales although borers have been reported to be seen in Sydney regularly.